MUSANZE - The Anglican Church of Rwanda, Sunday, enthroned Dr Laurent Mbanda as the new Bishop of Shyira Diocese, replacing the retiring Bishop John Rucyahana, who has been at the helm of the Diocese since 1997.

The retired Archbishop of Anglican Church in Rwanda, Emmanuel Kolini, assisted by bishops from other dioceses presided over the ceremony. Also present was the incoming Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Onesphore Rwaje.

Addressing thousands of the faithful, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Musanze Town, Dr Charles Murigande, who was the guest of honour, urged the new Bishop to guide the followers to the Promised Land and make the dreams of having a united and developed country come true.

‘’Your enthronement has been a result of qualities of integrity, God fearing, sacrifice and the willingness to serve others. If you implement God’s instructions, there is no doubt you will succeed in improving the lives of the Christians which,’’ Murigande said.

In his inaugural speech, Mbanda said that he will focus on development projects in order to not only develop spiritually, but also holistically, training the church’s servants and education which will lead to the transformation of the society.

He stated that he intends set up a centre for biblical and development studies and one hundred nursery schools in two years, in the diocese, which will become centres of transformation.

”It is very humbling to carry this responsibility, but one I strongly believe I have been prepared for. I have been in evangelism before, I have travelled to over 65 countries around the world, God will use the experience, I have lived, learnt to serve the people,’’ Mbanda said.

.The Governor of the Northern Province, Aimé Bosenibamwe, hailed Bishop Rucyahana for having contributed much to the development and well-being of the people of the Province.

He highlighted some of Rucyahana’s development initiatives in the education sector, construction and hotel industry, social welfare as well as unity and reconciliation.
Mbanda was the vice president of Compassion International..

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